Days +75 - +80

This week was full of great news. On Monday, we celebrated day +75. Three-fourths of the way to day +100! Also on Monday, Nathan had another lumbar puncture with chemo. That was not a good experience. For some reason they had a tough time getting in and three different doctors had to try several times. Poor Nathan. He ended up throwing up afterwards and had a spinal headache for a few days. But on Tuesday, we learned that his spinal fluid is still cancer free!!! Wednesday we found out that his counts have been steadily climbing and on Thursday our team told us they are doing everything they can to get us home early - on Christmas Eve! It will be the most amazing Christmas ever!

Since Nathan is now producing blood cells on his own, he doesn't have to go in for daily blood draws. Saturday was the first day since September 16th that he has not had to be in the hospital or clinic. It has been a nice relaxing weekend. In fact, Nathan and Peter are both asleep right now. I feel like this is the first time in 17 years that I've had some alone, quiet time!

Nathan was tapered off Prednisone this week, and unfortunately he's starting to not feel too great again. I hope it's not more GVHD.

Even though we are so close to going home, I can't help but feel more and more homesick. Megan has been so sweet and has sent us pictures and a video of the kids decorating the Christmas tree. (Peter loved watching it over and over. He's going to be amazed to see all of his brothers and sisters at once!) To help time go by, Nathan, Peter and I had a family night where we borrowed Peter's crayons and made our own advent calender. I think it helps to count down the days and keep us busy with some fun activities, not just medical stuff. So far my favorite thing we have done was to teach Peter "Once there was a Snowman." It is awesome to watch him dance to it and he thinks it's hilarious when I fall to the floor. The activity I'm most looking forward to, and the most nervous about, is making Christmas bags for some of the homeless people we see on a regular basis.